The Meitei Meetei Tribe Union (MMTU) has questioned the Forest Department’s alleged failure to curb encroachment, illegal settlements and poppy cultivation in the state’s reserved and protected forests.
In a press release issued on October 18, MMTU alleged that forest destruction and poppy cultivation were aggravating Manipur’s environmental and security concerns. Citing Forest Survey of India figures, it claimed that forest cover had declined from 17,416 sq km in 2001 to 16,585 sq km in 2023, while alleging a further loss of 2,550 sq km in 2025. It also claimed that more than 21,100 hectares of forest land were cleared for poppy cultivation between 2021 and 2025.
The organisation expressed concern over alleged encroachment in hill forests, claiming that around 2,500 new settlements had emerged in the state’s hill areas, including within reserved and protected forests.
Questioning enforcement measures, MMTU said the department conducted 24 eviction drives between 2015 and 2023—21 in the valley, two in Kangpokpi and one in Noney. It also cited the suspension of 26 Yairipok Forest Beat staff over alleged negligence related to Uchan Pambi in the Waithou Protected Forest.
MMTU further questioned the department’s alleged inaction over road construction in the Koubru hill ranges and the Gwaltabi and Khamenlok Reserve Forests, as well as German Road and Tiger Road towards Kangpokpi. It said objections to the road projects had been raised before the National Green Tribunal.
Citing the Indian Forest Act, 1927, and the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, MMTU called for effective enforcement of forest protection laws and questioned why unauthorised settlement and activities in reserved and protected forests were allegedly being allowed to continue.